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In an unexpected show of solidarity, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has come forward to defend former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL), urging fellow Republicans to abandon the “lynch mob mentality” surrounding unsubstantiated allegations as Gaetz seeks confirmation as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Attorney General.
Graham, often criticized for wavering between conservative principles and moderate appeasement, seems to be drawing a firm line ahead of his 2026 reelection campaign.
BREAKING: Senator Lindsey Graham just met with Matt Gaetz and JD Vance. Graham is now urging other GOP Senators to drop their Gaetz Derangement Syndrome & vote to confirm him.
"I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified… pic.twitter.com/uZsIRZJurm
— George (@BehizyTweets) November 20, 2024
During a press conference on Tuesday, Graham stated that Gaetz should not be disqualified based on allegations that failed to result in formal charges after a Department of Justice investigation.
“No, no, no. Nobody should be disqualified because of a media report,” Graham asserted, adding that the ‘bipartisan’ probe “didn’t proceed forward.”
On Wednesday, Gaetz, who resigned from Congress following his nomination, met with Republican senators to garner support for his confirmation.
This meeting followed a controversial House Ethics Committee investigation, which Gaetz has repeatedly dismissed as a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated by ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Reports indicate that up to 30 Republican senators plan to vote against Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General.
Unsurprisingly, the likes of Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins — considered the GOP’s left wing — have already voiced their opposition. Republican Senator John Cornyn also stated his desire to “absolutely” review the House Ethics Committee’s investigation into Matt Gaetz.
Gaetz, accompanied by Vice President-elect JD Vance (R-OH), has already met with key members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Senators Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley (R-MO), Mike Lee (R-UT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Kennedy (R-LA). According to CBS News, the Judiciary Committee will play a pivotal role in Gaetz’s confirmation hearings early next year.
After meeting with Gaetz, Graham issued a strong rebuke to those prematurely condemning the former Florida congressman.
“I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before,” Graham said.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said his Republican colleagues should give former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a chance after President-elect Donald Trump selected him to be attorney general. https://t.co/Ajd2vnh18L
— NEWSMAX (@NEWSMAX) November 15, 2024
“I would urge all of my Senate colleagues, particularly Republicans, not to join the lynch mob and give the process a chance to move forward. After years of being investigated by the Department of Justice, no charges were brought against Matt Gaetz.”
“This is something we should all remember. I would also urge my colleagues to go back to a time-tested process, receive relevant information, and give the nominee a chance to make their case as to why they should be confirmed. This standard – which I have long adhered to – has served the Senate and country well,” he added.
